How Technology Is Revolutionizing Infrastructure Tourism in Japan

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Infrastructure tourism, or "infratourism," is rapidly evolving in Japan. This type of tourism offers recreational experiences centered around public facilities such as dams, airports, and bridges.

Traditionally, this niche attracted visitors by offering close encounters with massive structures and access to restricted areas.

Recently, cutting-edge technologies like projection mapping and virtual reality (VR) have created even more engaging and immersive experiences.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) is actively supporting these initiatives to deepen public understanding of the role of infrastructure in society.

*A collapsed section at the rear of the Kamenose Tunnel.*

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The Kamenose Landslide & History Reference Room exemplifies innovative infrastructure tourism. It is located in the Kamenose Gorge, on the border of Nara and Osaka Prefectures. The area is famous for its countermeasure projects addressing large-scale landslides, such as those that occurred between 1931 and 1933.

One highlight of its guided tours is the brick tunnel of the old Osaka Railway, completed in 1892. This tunnel was buried by a landslide and rediscovered during construction in 2008. The tours, which require reservations, also include visits to underground drainage tunnels designed to prevent landslides.

During a late October tour, projection mapping transformed the wall of a 40-meter tunnel with vivid, three-dimensional visuals. The display drew gasps of amazement from visitors.

*Projection mapping on a brick tunnel showcases various visuals for visitors to enjoy.*

The facility, originally opened in 1986, was revamped in March 2024. This upgrade enhanced its exhibits following the area's designation as a Japan Heritage site, which led to a surge in visitors.

Over six months, the center attracted 10,000 attendees. Projection mapping was cited as a key factor in its popularity. The tunnel's shape serves as an ideal projector screen, and its Instagram-friendly visuals mean reservations often fill up weeks in advance.

"People say they want to come see it again," said Ichiro Tajiri, a construction specialist at MLIT's Kinki Regional Development Bureau. "We can deepen visitors' understanding by showcasing the visuals alongside the history of landslides."

*A tour of the Kamenose No 1 Drainage Tunnel.*

Virtual Reality in Tourism

VR is also becoming a popular tool for promoting infrastructure tourism. Dams and reservoirs, often inaccessible during heavy rains, can now be explored virtually in any weather.

For instance, the Kuzuryugawa Dam and Reservoir Integrated Management Office in Fukui Prefecture created a 360-degree VR experience in 2023. It showcased two dams, including footage of water releases. Visitors praised the experience for its intensity and realism.

Similarly, Tokyo's Bureau of Construction has been offering virtual tours of underground facilities like the Kanda River Underground Regulating Reservoir since 2022. "We hope people will learn about these unseen underground structures and join our on-site tours," said a bureau representative.

According to MLIT, on-site infrastructure tours reached an annual peak of 489 for two consecutive years before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the number dropped to about 60% of that peak. However, the numbers are rebounding, with 377 tours held in fiscal 2022 — a 69% year-on-year increase.

Looking Ahead

Private sector involvement is also on the rise, with creative events tailored to unique sites. Examples include Awa Odori performances in a flood control basin 40 meters (131 feet) underground, factory tours by boat, and amphibious bus rides around dam reservoirs.

Local collaboration is essential for sustaining and expanding infrastructure tourism. Many tours rely on local volunteers, but rural areas often face shortages due to aging populations. Addressing this issue requires engaging younger generations and fostering community-led initiatives.

"We want to incorporate fresh ideas from younger people and develop projects that allow communities to take the lead," said a tour organizer in the Kansai region.

Author: Norihiro Akiyama, The Sankei Shimbun

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